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L’Oreal Voluminous Original Waterproof Mascara Review

L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Volume Building Waterproof Mascara is a liquid eye mascara designed to build thicker-looking, more dramatic lashes. Its strongest points are visible volume, straightforward application and value, while waterproof wear, flaking and removal receive mixed buyer feedback.
Expert reviewed
79
Overall score
Data-driven scoring Expert reviewed Updated analysis

Why we ranked it highly

L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Volume Building Waterproof Mascara is a liquid mascara in a tube with a straight or slightly curved wand. It is positioned as a volumizing eye-makeup product, with a waterproof formula intended to build lash thickness and create a fuller, more dramatic eye look. The listing describes a buildable, clump-free application and says the formula can leave lashes supple and soft with minimal flaking or smudging. With a $7.44 listed price, 4.3/5 stars and 26,793 reviews, it is a high-volume drugstore mascara option. It appears most relevant for users who want visible lash volume and water resistance without moving into a higher price bracket. Review evidence is positive overall, but experiences with smudging, flaking and removal are not uniform.
90-day review Expert reviewed User feedback Data scoring

Key specs

Features & Specs

Product Benefits
Waterproof
Other Special Features of the Product
Waterproof
Item Form
Liquid
Specialty
Volumizing
Container Type
Tube
Water Resistance Level
Waterproof
Mascara Wand Type
Straight or Slightly Curved
Skin Type
All
Skin Tone
All
Coverage
eye

Item details

Product Benefits
Waterproof
Brand Name
L'Oreal Paris
Item Form
Liquid
Number of Items
1
Container Type
Tube
Package Type Name
Tube
UPC
071249148792
Manufacturer
L'Oreal Paris
Global Trade Identification Number
00071249148792
Manufacturer Part Number
FPS-173160
Model Number
boi-opp-klo-uyi4078
Skin Type
All
Item Weight
0.04 Pounds
Skin Tone
All

Product details

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer
No
Product Dimensions
0.75 x 2.75 x 7.07 inches; 0.64 ounces
Item model number
boi-opp-klo-uyi4078
UPC
071249148792
Manufacturer
L'Oreal Paris

Scores breakdown

82 /100

Effectiveness

84 /100

Beauty results

74 /100

Skin compatibility

82 /100

Hair compatibility

72 /100

Shade range

80 /100

Finish quality

73 /100

Longevity

66 /100

Ingredient quality

Strengths

  • High beauty-result score of 84, with review feedback supporting buildable volume and a dramatic lash look.
  • Waterproof format is designed to resist water and is praised by some users for staying put through a full day.
  • Strong value score of 85 for a mascara priced at $7.44.
  • Straight or slightly curved wand supports familiar, controlled mascara application.
  • Several reviewers report clump-free application, soft-looking lashes, and useful curl hold.
  • Customer satisfaction is strong at 83, based on a 4.3/5 average from 26,793 reviews.

Limitations

  • Waterproof performance is inconsistent in the review data, with some users reporting under-eye smudging after several hours.
  • Flaking and clumping are mixed concerns, particularly when excess product gathers on the wand.
  • Removal can require a dedicated waterproof eye makeup remover, adding a step to the routine.
  • Ingredient quality scores a modest 66, and no full ingredient list was provided for assessment.
  • Shade-range score of 72 suggests limited documented colour-choice information.
  • Ethical transparency is low at 55 because relevant ethical or sustainability details were not provided.

Ideal user profiles

  • Makeup users seeking a budget-friendly waterproof volumizing mascara.
  • People who prefer buildable lash volume over a very subtle finish.
  • Users with straight lashes who want a formula that may help hold a curled-lash look.
  • Buyers comfortable using dedicated waterproof eye makeup remover.
  • Those who value a widely reviewed drugstore mascara from an established beauty brand.

Use cases

  • Everyday eye makeup when a fuller lash appearance is wanted.
  • Building volume with multiple light coats.
  • Makeup routines where water resistance is a priority.
  • Creating a darker, more dramatic eye look.
  • Wear after curling lashes, especially for users looking for curl hold.
  • Affordable replacement mascara for regular makeup users.

Fit and positioning

Who this works for

Category positioning

This is a makeup product, specifically a waterproof volumizing mascara for the eye area. Its role is to add visible thickness and darker definition to lashes as part of an everyday or more dramatic eye-makeup routine. Rather than focusing on a natural bare-lash effect, the supplied product details emphasize buildable volume, lengthening appearance and a fuller final look. Its waterproof format makes removal method an important part of the routine.

Best for

This mascara is best suited to shoppers seeking a low-cost, buildable volumizing formula with a waterproof format. It is particularly relevant for users who want a fuller lash appearance, use a lash curler, or prefer a more pronounced eye look. Strong scores for value (85), beauty result (84), ease of use (82) and customer satisfaction (83) support that positioning. It may also suit contact lens wearers based on the product listing.

Not best for

It may not be the best match for buyers who need completely predictable smudge-proof wear, as the customer feedback is divided on water resistance, under-eye transfer and flaking. Those who want very easy removal may also prefer a non-waterproof formula, since some users report that a dedicated waterproof remover is necessary. Ingredient-focused shoppers have limited information to assess because a full ingredient list was not provided.

Beauty results

The intended result is fuller, darker-looking lashes with buildable volume and a more dramatic eye effect. The beauty-result score of 84 aligns with reviews that describe noticeable volume, good separation and a strong black appearance. Lengthening is mentioned in the listing, but the most consistent supplied evidence is for volume rather than major added length.

Performance analysis

How it performs in practice

Each scoring dimension is separated into a compact card so the strengths and tradeoffs are easier to compare without reading one long block.

Effectiveness analysis

With an effectiveness score of 82, this mascara appears to perform well for its core purpose: creating fuller-looking lashes. The supplied listing emphasizes buildable volume and a dramatic eye look, while multiple reviewers report good volumizing results, curl hold and a darker lash appearance. Its waterproof function is less consistent in practice. Some buyers describe reliable all-day wear, while others report smudges or flakes, so effectiveness is strongest for volume and less dependable for universally clean wear.

Beauty results

The beauty-result score of 84 is one of the product’s better results. Reviews commonly support a fuller, more defined lash look, with some users noting good separation and no clumping. The formula appears capable of being built up for added impact. Still, the final finish may be less polished for users who experience wand buildup, flakes or under-eye transfer later in the day.

Skin compatibility

Skin compatibility scores 74, a moderate result for an eye-area makeup product. The listing says the mascara is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, but no ingredient list or detailed testing information was supplied. Customer feedback provided does not establish a clear pattern of eye-area discomfort. Users with known sensitivities should review the product packaging and take a cautious, individual approach.

Shade range

Shade range scores 72. The provided reviews reference Black, Black Brown and Carbon Black variants, with Carbon Black receiving specific praise for a very dark look. However, the supplied listing does not set out a complete shade range or provide undertone guidance. This is likely most suitable for buyers who simply want a classic dark mascara rather than extensive colour selection.

How it compares

Within the waterproof volumizing mascara category, this product appears stronger on price, visible lash volume, broad customer uptake and familiar application than on formula transparency or completely consistent wear. Its 85 value score is a notable advantage for buyers avoiding premium mascara prices, while its 84 beauty-result score supports a fuller, darker finish. Compared with a category ideal, the trade-off is reliability: reports of smudging, flaking and difficult removal mean it may not offer the most predictable waterproof experience. It is best viewed as a solid, accessible volume-focused choice with practical limitations.

Ranking summary

With an overall score of 79, L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Waterproof Mascara ranks as a strong value-led mascara option rather than a flawless waterproof performer. Its best results come from value (85), beauty result (84), customer satisfaction (83), effectiveness (82) and ease of use (82). The evidence supports its appeal for buildable volume and a fuller lash look at a low price. It ranks below the very strongest category options because longevity is moderate at 73 and review feedback is divided on smudging, flaking and removability. Limited ingredient and ethical-transparency information also restrain its profile.

Buying advice

Consider this mascara if you want a classic dark, buildable waterproof formula at a low price and are mainly focused on fuller-looking lashes. It is especially worth considering if you are comfortable applying controlled coats and using a dedicated waterproof eye makeup remover. Before buying, check the exact colour variant, as the supplied data references Black, Black Brown and Carbon Black. If you are highly sensitive to under-eye smudging, need effortless removal or prioritize detailed ingredient and ethical disclosures, compare the available product information carefully before choosing.
79
Overall score

Final verdict

L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Volume Building Waterproof Mascara is a strong drugstore option for shoppers who want buildable volume, a dramatic lash effect and a low purchase price. Its main strength is the combination of good visible results and high value, reinforced by a large base of generally favorable customer feedback. Its main limitation is inconsistency: waterproof performance, flaking, smudging and removal vary noticeably between users. With an overall score of 79, it is a practical and well-reviewed mascara for volume-focused routines, but not the most dependable choice for everyone seeking uncompromising waterproof wear.
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Key topics

L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Waterproof Mascara, L'Oreal waterproof mascara review, Voluminous Original mascara review, drugstore volumizing mascara, waterproof volume building mascara, mascara for straight lashes, black waterproof mascara

Frequently asked questions

Is L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Waterproof Mascara good for volume?
It appears to be a strong option for visible volume, reflected in an effectiveness score of 82 and beauty-result score of 84. The product listing describes a buildable formula, and several reviews mention fuller-looking lashes and good volume. Results are personal, however, and one review found that the difference was less noticeable than expected.
Does L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Waterproof Mascara stay on all day?
Longevity scores 73, indicating reasonably solid but not fully consistent wear. Some customers say the mascara stays in place through a full day and resists rain or tears. Others report smudging under the eyes or flaking after a few hours, so results may depend on application, eye area, and wear conditions.
Is this mascara easy to apply?
Ease of use scores 82 and application scores 80. Its tube format and straight or slightly curved wand are familiar for standard mascara application, while reviews often describe the formula as buildable and relatively clump-free. Some users advise wiping excess product from the wand, as buildup may contribute to clumps or flakes.
Is L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Waterproof Mascara suitable for sensitive eyes?
The listing states that it is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, but the skin compatibility score is a moderate 74. No ingredient list or detailed sensitivity testing information was provided. If your eye area is easily reactive, review the packaging information and stop use if discomfort occurs.
How should waterproof mascara be removed?
The product listing says it is removable with waterproof eye makeup remover. Review feedback is mixed: some users find removal straightforward, while others find it difficult with ordinary makeup remover. A dedicated waterproof eye makeup remover is the most relevant option in the supplied information; avoid rubbing the eye area aggressively.
What are the main limitations of this mascara?
The main limitation is inconsistent wear performance. Although many users report dependable water resistance and no smudging, others experience under-eye transfer, flaking, or clumps. Ingredient information was not supplied, limiting ingredient-quality assessment, and the product information does not provide substantial detail on colour options or ethical practices.
Does L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Waterproof Mascara offer good value?
Value is one of its strongest areas, scoring 85 at a listed price of $7.44. Multiple reviewers consider it comparable to more expensive mascaras, while the high review volume supports broad buyer interest. Still, value will be lower for users who experience smudging or need a different formula for their preferred wear conditions.
Are the waterproof and volumizing claims supported?
Claim support scores 74. The volumizing claim is reasonably supported by the product specifications and repeated customer comments about fuller, darker lashes. The waterproof claim is supported by the listed water-resistant format and positive reports, but mixed feedback on smudging and water resistance means it should not be treated as equally reliable for every user.

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